There is one thing I've noticed when I traveled South East Asia, most of these nations have a great fondness for soya milk. They even s...March 15, 2008

There is one thing I've noticed when I traveled South East Asia, most of these nations have a great fondness for soya milk. They even sell it on the streets, fastfood menus always include hot/cold soya milk, its like sago't gulaman on the streets here. My husband's family even make soya drink at home and they have this really big container with lots of ice and they drink it everyday, almost like we here drink soda or iced tea. I've even learned to love it too. I drink soya milk a couple of times a day, its actually refreshing and has a bit different taste than regular milk. It doesn't only taste good, its actually healthy and good for you! Soy milk, soy sauce (hehe in moderate amounts), miso (soybean paste), tofu - they are all soy. Studies show that "soy protein" offer health benefits including lowering cholesterol and reducing a person's risk of heart disease. Whole soy foods are a great source of protein and contain other nutrients, such as fiber, B vitamins and omega 3-fatty acids. Foods containing soy protein are also a healthy alternative to meats and other animal products that contain cholesterol and saturated fat.The American Dietic Association (ADA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) say that diets that include 25 to 50 grams of soy protein a day can help lower levels of LDL cholesterol or the bad cholesterol, the type known to build up in and to clog blood vessels, leading to a higher risk of heart disease.Soy foods also contain some fat, however most of this fat is unsaturated, meaning it won't clog arteries. For starters, it is recommended to gradually introduce soy in your diet. The key to good health is to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods without focusing too much on an one food.source: Living Well Mag.